“Neocortical Dysplasias and Seizure Susceptibility in C57Bl/10J mice”
Lisa Ann Gabel, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042

Cortical dysplasias are associated with both epilepsy and cognitive impairments in humans. As most current animal models involve either global disruptions in cortical architecture or the induction of lesions, few studies have examined whether focal cortical dysplasias are also associated with increased excitabilit, or seizure susceptibility. Small groups of displaced neurons in layer I of the neocortex, ectopias, have been identified in patients with cognitive impairments, and similar malformations occur sporadically in some inbred lines of mice where they are associated with behavioral and sensory processing deficits. In a previous study we demonstrated that the presence of these focal cortical dysplasia was associated with increased excitability in vitro and increased seizure susceptibility in vivo (Gabel & LoTurco 2001, 2002). Recently, Ramos et al. (2008) demonstrated that C57Bl/10J mice have layer I neocortical ectopias similar to ectopias found in other inbred lines. However, unlike other inbred lines, these malformations are visible from the surface of the brain, and multiple ectopias are frequently found in a single hemisphere. Based on previous research, we would expect that C57Bl/10J mice with ectopias would have a lower seizure threshold which may be based on the location, number and size of the malformation(s). In this study we will determine if the severity and location of the dysplasia is correlated with seizure susceptibility in these animals, as well as if cells within and/or surrounding the dysplasia are activated as a result of the seizure.

Lisa A. Gabel, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience
Lafayette College
303 Oechsle Hall
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: (610) 330-5296
Fax: (610)330-5349
Email: gabell@lafayette.edu